Joe Marconi

Wow! Amazing accomplishment!

Even with the taxes, you are investing in YOUR future. Great move!

It's no surprise to anyone that today's workforce is looking over the fence for greener grass. The fact is we need to KEEP and ATTRACT employees. We need to also keep in mind that shops need to be more profitable today and in the future in order to compete with other companies and industries. Let's put our heads together and discuss ways we can create pay plans and benefits packages that will keep our employees and also attract quality people to our shops.

Great post! And right on point here! You bring up two very important points: One, how do create a workplace environment and provide benefits that help with employee retention, and two; how can we offer a pay plan and benefits package that attracts quality people? You are right, it's not just about the employee, it's about their family too. I made a post in the Health Insurance and Benefits, under the Human Resources forum.

Words of wisdom, and words to live by. Great comments, my friend.

Now that math adds up in your favor! Nice!

I too have a breaking point. However, the older I got, the harder it was to remain calm when a customer crossed the line. I always tried to maintain my composure and my professionalism, but I have to admit, after decades of dealing with the public, it wasn't easy. I always told myself and my staff, that the bad apples are rare, and that the overwhelming majority of our customers were amazing.

The summer is in full swing, which means your shop is probably at its busiest. Summer also means it’s vacation season. You’ve probably done a great job scheduling your employee’s vacations, but what about yourself? Are you planning time off too? Shop owners are among the hardest-working people on the planet. This is a quality to be admired. However, everyone needs time away from their businesses to spend with friends and family. Balancing work with life is your responsibility to yourself and your family. Your business must never consume your life; it must enrich it. Time goes by too quickly; trust me on this. There are also significant advantages to spending time away from your business. You clear your mind of the clutter that occurs from the day-to-day grind, you give your body a chance to recuperate, and most importantly, you’ll build memories with your loved ones. When you return to work, you will be more energized, with a fresh outlook on how to move your business forward. Essentially, the right balance between life and work will help you become more effective, making you more successful. I’ll leave you with this quote: “No one on their deathbed ever said, I wish I spent more time at work.”

Well, first of all, I really don't like the insults to you as a woman. Unfortunately, there are a lot of stupid people, and they are stupid to everyone! Now, I never did admit this before in public, BUT I would do the same thing you did. When someone was insulting and hard to deal with, I would intentionally raise the estimate, the more he talked trash, the higher the estimate. This "stupid tax" can add up. You are right, you cannot change him, so apply the "stupid tax" when needed. Great post! Enjoyed reading it!

Another great consideration. In most cases, especially over time, buying property is a better financial decision than renting.

Great information! Thank you for sharing! This is the power of Auto Shop Owner; sharing and exchanging ideas and strategies, and knowledge.

That is a great point. So, when they rehire a tech, it hurts the workplace morale?

All great points. Hard to argue with those facts!

Charlie, great to hear from you. Wow! You stole my thunder for my follow-up question: How do feel about cobranding! I was part of the CARQUEST Advisory Council way back in the mid-1990s when we were discussing the idea of launching a national program. One of the biggest debates was co-branding and the name, TECHNET. All the shop owner members agreed that they wanted to remain independent, and promote their own brand. I agree with you. While I do believe there is great value in being part of a national program like TECHNET, your brand in your community must be strong and should speak volumes. Great points Charlie!

Over the last few decades, we have seen part companies create alliances with auto repair shops. Perhaps the most well-known are NAPA Car Care and TECHNET. Are you affiliated with a group like this, and what benefits do you see as a member?

Years ago, I had a "No rehire rule." My thinking back then: If someone quits and I rehire them, does that send the right message to the other employees? That they can leave and I would take them back? However, we are in different times. Employees, especially techs, have left their jobs in recent years, lured away by better pay, in many cases. But, these employees soon realized that a job (a career) is not all about the paycheck. What would you do if an employee came back to you, asking for re-employment?

July 7, 2022—As another delay impedes progress in the Right to Repair battle, the Automotive Care Alliance is asking its members to step up their support of the proposed legislation, ‘Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair (REPAIR) Act’ (H.R. 6570), which puts the power of automotive repair choice into the hands of the consumer and allow independent repair shops access to pertinent tools and data to help these customers. Read More:

One of my goals as an automotive shop owner was to own my property. Which I accomplished in 1998. Owning the property came me more options when it came time to sell my business. This is my perspective. I have spoken to other shop owners, and they think differently. Some rather secure a lease with great terms and leave the responsibility of the property to someone else. What's your opinion? What are the pros and cons of owning your property and leasing the property?

Wow. What a story. There are times when people cannot overcome tragedy. And sometimes in spite of all your honorable efforts, the only person that can help is themselves.

Great post! The industry can learn from what you have learned!

Agree, Frank. So much to be thankful for.

This topic has been discussed before, but I think it's more relative today than ever. Smart auto shop owners understand they need to constantly recruit, but what about keeping the employees we have now? Let's revisit this topic and discuss your retention strategies and other comments on keeping your valued employees.

I want to wish everyone a Happy July 4th Holiday! Let us take a moment and also celebrate the birth of this great nation we live in. The Fourth of July—also known as Independence Day or July 4th—has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941, but the tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes back to the 18th century and the American Revolution. On July 2nd, 1776, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence, and two days later delegates from the 13 colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence, a historic document drafted by Thomas Jefferson. Source: History.com

It's officially July, which means the NAPA Expo is this month in Las Vegas! If you're going, you aren't going to want to miss Bob Cooper present The Top Shop Playbook for Finding & Hiring Top Techs. Bob will be discussing what it takes to create an incredible compensation & incentive packages, and how to create a principle-based culture that fosters growth and development. You'll also learn how to make offers to the superstars that are truly irresistible, and you'll discover easy to apply ways for you to connect with the stars that you are looking for! Mark your calendars, Bob will be speaking Tuesday, July 19 at 1:00 – 2:15pm & 4:30 – 5:45 p.m., and Wednesday, July 20 at 2:45 – 4:00 p.m. Learn more here!

In spite of gas prices nearing $5.00 a gallon, people are expected to take to the road in record numbers this July 4th holiday, according to the AAA and the Wall Street Journal. This is potentially good news for the automotive aftermarket. Are you seeing an increase in your customers preparing for road trips?